Beer has long been associated as a gout trigger due to its relatively high levels of purine, an organic compound that, among other functions, helps form the base of human DNA. Beer gets the bulk of its purine content from brewer’s yeast, which has about three times the purines as baker’s yeast.

Common ale yeast actually possesses resistant cell walls that makes it difficult to digest. New research now suggests that the principal reason our bodies are able to derive nutrients from yeast is with help from friendly bacteria that resides almost exclusively in our gut.

With soap varieties like Surly Furious with Amarillo hops, Lift Bridge Farm Girl Saison with orange peel and Tallgrass Buffalo Sweat Stout with crushed oats and Sumatra coffee beans, the term “shower beer” might just take on a whole new meaning.

New French beer tax elicits outcry from EU brewers; Oskar Blues partners with community college for hands-on brew course; German courts rule to allow two different Duff beers; study claims hop compound may help fight common cold; and Westvleteren XII finally released to much fanfare, some controversy.

In recent years, running and craft beer have buddied up. Running and drinking beer, one a presumed healthy activity and the other a presumed unhealthy one, have begun to coexist in some interesting ways.

Churchkey Can Company ressurrects the flat-top steel can; interstate brewery expansions loom; study finds two drinks a day could be a life saver; Heineken bans branding of local brews during London 2012 Olympics; and new beer laws passed in Indiana and Georgia.

Brewers and breweries have long done more to benefit society than harm it. In ages when drinking water was often contaminated, brewing was a practical science that provided townspeople with something safe to drink. Centuries later, brewers are still working hard to make a positive impact on their communities.

Resveratrol, a chemical found in red wine, has been proven to reduce heart disease and curb some cancers in lab animals, which makes red wine the darling of healthy-minded drinkers. But a group of students at Rice University might be knocking red wine off its lofty pedestal.